Okaz/Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — Abdullah Bishara, first secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said that GCC is the pillar of stability and cornerstone of security of the Gulf countries. He made the remarks in an interview with the Bahraini newspaper “Al-Ayyam” on the occasion of the 46th GCC Summit, to be hosted by Bahrain, on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Bishara highlighted three fundamental prohibitions governing summit management; Respect for the sovereignty of states; not to encroach the borders; and non-interference in the foreign policy of each state.

Bishara, who served as secretary general of GCC from 26 May 1981 to April 1993, revealed the most prominent milestones in the GCC’s history and the experience he has gained during four decades of diplomatic work. In his advice to the next generation of Gulf citizens, he said: “You cannot do without the Gulf Cooperation Council. You must strengthen this entity, for it is the pillar of stability, the cornerstone of security, and the support for the future.”

Bishara noted that if he were to name the upcoming Gulf summit in Bahrain, he would call it the “Summit of Excellence and Security.” He emphasized the importance of preparing files with precision and focus, and ensuring the collective conviction of the leaders regarding decisions, considering that consensus without enthusiasm does not create achievement.

Going down memory lane to the trajectory of the evolution of GCC, Bishara, a seasoned Kuwaiti diplomat and politician, pointed out that the first Gulf summit was held in Abu Dhabi and was called the “Summit of Launch and Pride.” Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the founder president of the United Arab Emirates, played a pivotal role in establishing the spirit of the council and the leaders’ belief in its ambitious plan.

Regarding the most difficult period, he described the Doha Summit during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait as the most tumultuous period in the history of the council. “I was in Cairo attending the Islamic Summit as a representative of the GCC when news of the invasion came. I was asked to go to Jeddah to deliver a clear message to the Iraqi side that the GCC was present and ready.”

“The meeting with Iraq’s Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was very short. It included a painful question about the expected funds, and the meeting ended there.” He continued: “After that, we moved to Doha for the summit. The atmosphere was charged with the sorrows and anxieties of the occupation, and the feelings of worry and anger dominated the summit hall.”

Regarding the most significant decisions he regrets, Bishara pointed to accepting Saddam Hussein’s invitation to attend the summit in May 1990, describing it as the worst political conference he had ever witnessed. It was filled with mockery and contempt for the Gulf States, their leaders, and their people. “During that meeting, I witnessed explicit and public threats against the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. I saw a complete lack of respect for the Gulf States, their rulers and their people, past and present, and even a disregard for their future.”

Bishara also spoke about the recent developments in Palestine, commenting on the events of October 7, saying: “It was a catastrophe, and no one knows exactly who planned it, but everyone knew the scale of the response and the expected retaliation. The result was massacres, and the Palestinian cause continues to face significant challenges.”

In assessing the broader Arab cooperation experience, Bishara explained that the previous Arab Cooperation Council (ACC) disintegrated because it lacked a genuine bond uniting its member states, unlike the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), whose members are united by a shared destiny, culture, traditions, long-standing familiarity, and a common hope. He emphasized that true Arab solidarity is difficult to achieve at this level.

Regarding his relations with Bahrain, Bishara affirmed that Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa was a paragon of values and ethics, and this approach has been continued under King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, who has maintained Bahrain’s international standing and respect.

Referring to the evaluation of the GCC’s experience since its inception 45 years ago, he noted that the security and political achievements are evident, but the economic benefits for the Gulf citizens remain below expectations.

Regarding relations with some regional figures, Bishara described the deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as unpredictable and aggressive, and former Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh as someone who underestimates those around him. “Relations with Iran are measured, but caution must be exercised regarding its ambitions toward Bahrain,” he added.